Lightning safety tips:
Lightning is life threatening. It kills 125 people and injures more than 500 people in an average year in the United States. That makes lightning the greatest weather-related danger we face. Many lives can be saved and injuries avoided if you follow these safety rules:

1. Keep an eye on the sky when thunderstorms are in the forecast.
2. Do not use the telephone, except in an emergency.
3. Stay away from open water. Keep clear of metal objects such as motorcycles, farm equipment, and golf carts. Drop any metal objects you may be holding. Stay away from power lines. If you are in a group outside, keep several yards apart from each other.
4. If you are in an open area away from shelter and feel your hair standing on end, lightning may be about to strike. Drop to your knees and bend forward with your hands on your head. DO NOT lie flat on the ground.

Tornado safety tips:
A. Have a plan.

1. The ideal shelter is in a location below ground in a basement. If you do not have a basement, go to the lowest level possible. Find a spot in the center of the building. Put as many walls between you and the storm as you can. Small bathrooms, closets or hallways are a few examples.
2. Stay away from doors and windows.
3. Cover yourself, especially your head and face with pillows or a mattress to protect yourself from flying debris.
4. Don't get in your car and try to drive away from the storm. If you're in a car when severe weather develops, leave your car and seek shelter elsewhere.
5. Abandon mobile homes.
6. As a last resort, seek shelter in a ditch or ravine. Lie flat, face down. Shield your head with your hands and arms.

B. Have a storm survival kit. Some items may include:

1. Battery powered tv/radio
2. Flashlight with extra batteries
3. Blankets and pillows
4. First Aid Kit
5. Fresh water
6. Cell phone
7. Baby supplies, if needed.
8. Wrench to turn off gas and water
9. Important phone numbers

C. Practice tornado drills with your family.

1. Having a plan will help all family members know what to do when severe weather develops.
2. Know the drill at home, work and school.
3. Talking and practicing can help ease some of the fears of young children about severe weather.

D. Know the difference between a watch and warning.

1. A watch means severe thunderstorms or tornadoes are possible.
2. Remind your family where to go should storms develop.
3. Monitor developing weather.
4. A warning means severe weather has developed.
5. Seek shelter immediately.
6. Tune to KXLT FOX 47 for the latest information on developing storms.

Flash Flooding Safety Tips:
A. Flash Flood Watch

A flash flood watch is issued when conditions are right for heavy rains to cause flooding. Flash flooding occurs when water rises a great deal over a short amount of time. During a watch you can continue with normal activities, but be alert for possible flash flooding. Be ready to take action or flee to higher ground if a warning is issued or if you see flooding start.

B. Flash Flood Warning

A flash flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or happening. When a flood warning is issued, act immediately to ensure your safety and move to higher ground.

C. Important things to remember:

• Get out of areas subject to flooding. Avoid streams, creeks, washes, canyons, low spots and bridges.
• Don't try to cross flooded areas where water is flowing quickly or where you don't know the depth of the water.
• If you are in a vehicle and stall in flood water, abandon the vehicle immediately to seek higher ground. Rapidly rising and moving water can engulf a vehicle and sweep it away. A majority of flash flood fatalities are vehicle related.
• When camping, avoid pitching camp or parking your vehicle along a stream or a wash. If camping in a low area, plan an escape route if flooding threatens.
• Use extra caution at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

We'll be on the air tracking the storm with the area's ONLY LIVE radar, FOX 47 LIVE Real Time Radar. Stay in your shelter until the threat has passed.